WhatsApp rolls out 2-step verification to all users

Users can enable this feature by going to the settings menu in WhatsApp and enabling 'Two-step verification' menu time in the 'Account' optionETtech | February 10, 2017, 15:06 IST

Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp has rolled out a two-step verification process for all its billion plus users in a bid to improve the security of users' accounts.

"When you have two-step verification enabled, any attempt to verify your phone number on WhatsApp must be accompanied by the six-digit passcode that you created using this feature." the company noted in an FAQ page. WhatsApp had first introduced a beta version of this feature in November last year.

Users can enable this feature by going to the settings menu in WhatsApp and enabling 'Two-step verification' menu time in the 'Account' option. The feature is available to all its users across iOS, Android and Windows users.

WhatsApp said that users can also optionally enter their email address that will allow the company to send users a link via email to disable two-step verification in case they ever forget their six-digit passcode. "We highly recommend you provide an accurate email address so that you're not locked out of your account if you forget your passcode." the company noted.

Last month, reports suggested that WhatsApp is also working on a feature that will track the live location of members, allowing users to track the whereabouts of their friends in real time.